Lille’s Sofiane Boufal Shines, But Shuns Comparisons to Eden Hazard
Sofiane Boufal has quickly captured the hearts of Lille supporters following a string of eye-catching performances since his arrival from Angers. With just around ten matches under his belt, the 21-year-old has already drawn comparisons to former Lille star Eden Hazard—thanks to his flair, creativity, and fearless attacking play.
But while flattered by the parallels, Boufal is determined to forge his own path and avoid being labelled as Hazard’s successor.
“Of course, Hazard is an example,” Boufal told reporters at a press conference. “But at my age, he was already at Chelsea. So the comparison is difficult. I still need to develop many qualities.”
The Moroccan-born midfielder acknowledged that consistency and physicality are areas where he must improve. “I have to be more efficient and more consistent. There’s still a lot of room for progress,” he added.
Hazard, now a Premier League icon and recently named the league’s Player of the Year, left big shoes to fill at Lille after his move to Chelsea in 2012. Boufal’s rapid rise has nonetheless offered fans a glimpse of that same creative spark.
His performances have also caught the attention of Morocco’s national team. The Atlas Lions’ coaching staff are reportedly eager to include Boufal in their plans for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, hoping to harness his form and integrate him into the squad.
As Boufal continues to grow and impress in Ligue 1, both Lille and Morocco are watching closely—aware that his potential could shape the future for club and country. For now, though, the young playmaker remains focused on his own development, resisting comparisons and aiming to leave his own mark.
